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Boy do I have stories to tell already! The problem is THEY are sitting right here next to me reading every damn word I am writing! So I can't get away with much. (RAB glances over his shoulder)

1. Ask Jan why she flew from Aukland to LosAngeles with NO PANTS ON. Yes you heard correctly, she was NOT wearing any pants, just her you know what!

2. Canuck tried to take us to a restaurant last night, it was supposed to be very good. There was only one problem--the place was ON FIRE! Seriously! The damn restaurant was burning down! (Talk about well done steak! )

3. So far I have no dirt on Mark (Aztecan). He arrived just in time to rush off to supper with us last night! But trust me, from what I've seen so far, that man is going to be getting into trouble every hour of every day. He's a cutey and a BIG flirt!

O.K. Gotta sign off and let the others have their turn. (NOTE: Only believe what I tell you--ignore everyone else. You all know you can trust me with the real dirt.

Well, I just have to say Jan is the most gracious lady, with or without pants. You really must ask her how her pants ended up in the oven.

Canuck (Claude) is a lot of fun and does have the most delicious accent. He also knows how to walk, which is something that Rocky could take a lesson from (not petit little steps, but manly steps. ) I think Rocky has spent too much time tiptoeing through the tulips.

For those who will be joining us. I did bring party favors - flavored, ribbed and, of course, colored. My luck, I'll end up passing them out to the kids on the street.

But Montreal is wonderful. It is beautiful here, the weather is fabulous and, of course, my forum familiy members are just a delight and a joy to be with.

I arrived in Louisville this morning and am currently at Marc's place...and what a beautiful home he has...and what a gracious host. We're leaving tomorrow morning and by tomorrow night...we'll have the scoop on who's wearing what and who smiled at who and we'll see about that tell all report to the forum....Big Smile Boy! Can't wait to meet you guys.........it sounds like fun already

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

John & I arrived safely yesterday. Drove from my brother's house and breezed through customs. Only a 2 and 1/2 hour drive.

We got to the hotel around 2:30 p.m. and there they were sitting in the lobby -- Jan, Rocky, Canuck & Mark. I spotted Rocky out immediately, waved and waited for him to pull his fingers out of his ass...he must have been sitting like that for a quite some time for them to be broken. Be sure to have him wash his hands before shaking his hand. But I gave him a huge hug anyways, and it reminded me of the Toronto gathering when he greeted me there. Mark was a dead giveaway, he looks just like he does in his avatar -- very handsome and very, very bald. Then I saw sweet Jan looking fantastic as always, and hugged her so tight... I've missed her so much. And Canuck, his French accident OOPS, accent will melt you and he's good lookin' too. (Please excuse the typo as I was quite hungover.)

We chatted for a bit after checking in and then hung out outside the hotel waiting for the next group to arrive. Will fill you in more a bit later...

Note to Rocky -- be sure to ask John what the hell he was doing with 3 gorgeous girls in the room until 5 or 6 a.m. I think he needs to be disciplined.

Later...

« Last Edit: August 17, 2006, 05:29:38 PM by Trish »

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"People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is buit." Eleanor Roosevelt

Just got in the room. Very happy to hug so many people... most of whom look WAY taller than on line.

I am headed for a shower and a nap. So. Very. Tired

More later.

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"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

I just got here with David NC and his partner David (right!) and Terpie (Minh). There were so many people that I have promptly forgotten who everyone is. I think we are going to have to have name tags! This group is already awesome...and growing by the minute. Lots of us have computers and internet access...so I am sure there will be running commentary. Sorry that many of you can't be here, but hopefully we will continue to grow by leaps and bounds and we will have a convention next time around!

Like Gary just said... my partner and I met him and Minh at the airport. I think the hotel must have been alerted, 'cause we sure had a welcoming committee when we arrived at the hotel! Actually, it was nice to see so many folks in person for the first time and get hugs from 'em all. I agree with the name tags... we need real names and online names to help.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

"Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful nor conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, adaptation in A Walk To Remember

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

I'm going to have to call BullSh*t on that one. In the most loving way possible, of course.

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"Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful nor conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, adaptation in A Walk To Remember

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Every bottom says that until there's a dick there. Then it's High Ho the Cherry-O with their legs pointed straight to Jesus!

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"Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful nor conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, adaptation in A Walk To Remember

Undoubtably goes without saying but HAVE A GREAT TIME you lucky ones! Am so jealous and very I couldn't be there but the dates ended up clashing with my family coming here. Great to see family of course - and currently basking in a 40+ degrees heatwave here - but very sorry to miss opportunity to meet you lot! Oh well, I will await with anticipation news of next years venue...Just wanted to say HAVE FUN!

Melia

« Last Edit: August 18, 2006, 02:03:16 AM by sweetasmeli »

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/\___/\ /\__/\(=' . '=) (=' . '=)(,,,_ ,,,)/ (,,,_ ,,,)/ Cats rule!

The difference between cats and dogs is that dogs come when called, whereas cats take a message and get back to you.

I don't even know what to say, where to begin, or even if it's possible.

So many smiles. Everyone has smiles!

So much laughter. Hugs, occasional tears, more laughter, talking, and did I mention the smiles?

It does the heart so much good to look across an expanse of 40 faces, all bound together by this damn virus, and see everyone truly having a great time. You just can't imagine what it's like.

I CALL IT SERO SORTING FOR THE SOUL!

It's amazing how therapeutic those smiles can be. It's amazing how healing laughter can feel.

Everyone has arrived (still more will today), some with missing luggage (mois, Alan, Jen, & ?), some were delayed, some were weary from their travel, some were apprehensive getting out of the cars and facing the ever growing crowd gathered on the sidewalk to greet the next person, but they have certainly arrived.

I got dirt, boy do I have dirt, but this morning I'm feeling rather emotional and reflective, so I'm going to skip it.

I'll just repeat what I wrote above.

I CALL IT SERO SORTING FOR THE SOUL.

It aint the elusive cure we all hope for someday, but right here and right now, it feels pretty damn good.

RAB

(We leave for our visit to Hope Chapel in less than 45 minutes, so gotta sign off.)

Marc and I arrived yesterday afternoon (hour and some odd late) and rode to the hotel with Danny and Shane. Having a great time and enjoying the "group" thing. Met everyone that had arrived last night before dinner and then on we went to Sky for cocktails. WOW! Montreal has way too many cuties/ hotties....how does one choose? Everyone is great...endless hugs... Truly I am in good company! And yes, I'm taking lots of pictures! Marc and I had breakfast in the hotel this morning early before accompanying everyone to the Chapel...which was for many a truly moving experience.

We have the wedding coming up this afternoon...and then the Meet & Greet tonight so it should be a long wonderful day! I've probably already said it a thousand times but "Thank God I came!" Truly a Great bunch of people!

Arrived safely today. Will nap before joining folks at the Meet 'n Greet. This is a beautiful city! I am in an old building---a bed and breakfast in the Gay Village section. The chef will make scrambled eggs tomorrow and there's dining outside on the rooftop complete with Buddha for morning meditations. I am grateful to be here. At Customs, I was asked to state the nature and length of my stay. Reply - Three days -- a social gathering. Guard -- What kind of gathering? Reply - A gathering of people who have HIV-AIDS. Guard - How do you know these people? Reply - We met on line. Guard - Have a good visit. Reply - Thank you. I will.

Boy O Boy O Boy, do I have the dirt for you! Get your mudflaps out, cause this is going to get messy!

What dynamic duo were caught en flagrante delicto with their clothes off - in my room. And what intreped ex-reporter had the wherewithall to snap a photo that could only be referred to as "blackmail material"?

What deliciously sexy Canadian found himself surrounded by men in a stip club at 2:30 a.m.?

Which person from KC, often the subject of banter here, was spotted having his foot massaged by a delightful French Canadian barman - while others watched? (I hope our dear member from KC is feeling better today. He was having a difficulty that really was no joke. However, if Guy (the name of this delightful Canadian, had massaged my foot, I probably would have ended up in bed with him or arrested.)

What AIDSMeds favorite and very knowledgable soul, appeared at the wedding reception and wowed the crowed by saying "hi." Hint - he is definitely a very nice looking man!

What leather clad couple also found themselves on the streets of Montreal during the wee hours of the morning, surrounded by very young, very muscular men?

Answers to the above will come later! He he he he he!

Now, I don't want to steal anyone's thunder, but first, the Circle of Light and memorial were just wonderful. If there was a dry eye in the house, I didn't see it. I can't say enough about all the work Jan, Claude and Alan did to pull this off.

The wedding was beautiful. Can anyone guess what beloved member from Arizona was spotted wiping tears from his eyes, virtually from the moment the ceremony started?

Oh, as for Rocky, ask him how he ended up in the arms of another member while lounging in the hotel pool. That's right, our own Rocky caught in the arms of someone else - not only in public, but broad daylight no less!

Well, can't say too much more now. Don't want to spoil it for the rest who log in and report.

It is safe to say it has been a wonderful adventure for me, one I have needed for a long time.

HUGS,

Mark

(Who has been compeletely angelic, wholesome and well-behaved this entire time. By the way, for those who didn't know it, Jonathan's photo doesn't do him justice. What a cutie!)

The more elaborate and sexy sounding the name, the more likely it is that I just ordered Spam with gravy.

Some of us look exactly like our online photos. And some of us do not.

Tim Horn is built like a brick house. I am just saying.

Andy Velez has hands-down the coolest necklace. Ever.

White teeth is apparently an American thing.

You know the phrase “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas?” Yeah, not so much in Montreal.

It’s not a good idea to have liquor in the room, because people who like to drink will hang around all morning.

It’s a TERRIFIC idea to have liquor in the room, because you get a front row seat to all the dirt.

Apparently, for some of us, Jagermeister and garlic bread is breakfast.

I get good brownie points because I have a digital camera and internet connection, and have opted not to use either after midnight... so far.

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"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

Jonathan is a delightful and beautiful young man...with a DAZZLING SMILE. Truly he looks just like his photo...but better!

Zephyr....You are an angel. What a delight to finally wrap my arms around you. You have a heart the size of Texas.

Alan...the man of a thousand birthdays...what a great guy to meet in person.

Tim (Moffie) ...you can't help but love this guy........especially when he tools around in leather.The waiter at St Huberts restaurant will always rememeber him with shock and awe.

Mark...aka Azetec...provided the entertainment last night offering his best rendition of "TO DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM"in his finest leather apparel. Bravo Mark....no one could have done it better...

Lisa.... With your wit and oral discourse....our meetings have been nothing shy of halarious! You're a funny funny person whotouches my heart and gives it wings.

Dingo...OMG! That belt buckle...that boa....that lovely wonderful personality...that chain connected to Shane...truly you have made thistrip a resounding SUCCESS...and Yes! Montreal will never be the same. I know I won't be........The CD is simply FABULOUS!!!

I'm salivating in anticipation of the Details so properly demanded by Molten (who seems to speak with great authority on bottoms ). Jay

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Her finely-touched spirit had still its fine issues, though they were not widely visible. Her full nature, like that river of which Cyrus broke the strength, spent itself in channels which had no great name on the earth. But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.

"Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful nor conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, adaptation in A Walk To Remember

Not to worry I have pictures...Boy! Do I have pictures! Dingo and I discussed posting those who took still pictures on a site (Kodak, I believe.) So patience my dear folks. Let us get it together

But more importantly...Tim Horn was an excellent speaker...I got so much from his presentation as I'm sure everyone who attended did........I applaude Tim and Andy. I found them both to be quite articulate and extremely motivating. A Big Thumbs Up for these guys for their contributions to the AMG!!!

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts